Walk a way to get involved in the 2019 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival!
The Council has teamed up with Carers Link East Dunbartonshire to offer people the chance to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle while raising funds for a great cause.
This year's festival takes place between Monday 26 August and Sunday 1 September, with another swashbuckling mix of aquatic activities and land-based family fun.
Entertainment is still being finalised, but there's another wonderful week in the offing, culminating in Saturday's evening concert and fireworks display, and Sunday’s gala.
On Saturday 31 August, Carers Link is asking residents and visitors to 'Walk With Us' to raise funds for the charity, bring people together and promote fitness.
There are two routes to choose from, depending on age and ability:
- Route 1 – 13 miles (approx): Starts in Milngavie and ends in Kirkintilloch, walking via Strathblane, Lennoxtown and Milton of Campsie
- Route 2 – four miles (approx): A shorter, more accessible and family-friendly walk, starting at Bishopbriggs and ending in Kirkintilloch.
All routes lead to Kirkintilloch Canal Festival - where participants can celebrate their efforts and enjoy the amazing atmosphere.
Heather McKelvie, Events Co-ordinator at Carers Link, said, "People do not need to be carers to take part in the walk - maybe they know someone who cares for a friend or family member and want to make sure they have somewhere to go when they need support.
"Other people may just want to make sure that anyone, no matter who they are or who they care for, knows about the support that Carers Link can offer and can access it when they need to. We can’t guarantee good weather, but we can guarantee good chat!"
To find out more about the walk, call Carers Link on 0141 955 2131 or e-mail enquiry@carerslink.org.uk
The canal festival – organised by the Council in partnership with a range of organisations, including East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust – attracts thousands of visitors every year, boosting the economy and the area’s status as a visitor destination.
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, "I would invite as many people as possible to consider the walk for Carers Link - an extremely worthy cause.
"This year's Kirkintilloch Canal Festival offers another magical mix of entertainment, education and activities - involving a range of Council services, organisations and businesses."
The 2019 programme will also provide a platform for community groups, hostelries and local shops to get involved.
If you are interested in participating - either as a stage performer, service provider or community event organiser - please get in touch via the website - www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
Cllr Hendry added, "Scottish Canals is currently carrying out refurbishment works on the canal bridge at Twechar - helping to reopen a water-based route between The Falkirk Wheel and Kirkintilloch - the Canal Capital of Scotland.
"Combined with the sponsored walk, it seems all routes really do lead to Kirkintilloch Canal Festival!"
* People can sign up for the walk - and create their own individual fundraising page - using the link justgiving.com/campaign/carerslinkwalkwithus2019
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